From the majestic cities on the Danube River, such as Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, to the many romantic canals typical of Amsterdam, river tours in Europe offer a unique perspective on this historic continent. Follow the Moselle that passes through charming medieval towns like Cochem or the Rhône that flows next to the breathtaking gorges of the Ardèche plateau. European river tours are the ideal way to explore the continent and its many hidden gems at a relaxed pace. But if you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline boost during your European trip, check out our Europe adventure tours.
Scroll below to see our favorite river tours in Europe.
“My bike and barge trip in Provence with this tour operator was outstanding. The organisational details, the daily rides, the barge, the staff, my bike, meals - all were excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the experience.”
River Tours Europe
The River Seine is the center of French culture, and you can experience it by boat.
Highlights of river tours in Europe
Venture on a romantic trip to Venice on a gondola to explore all the canals before trying out some delicious Italian food and visiting world-renowned sites, such as Rialto Bridge and St Mark Basilica.
Get to know the vibrant Portuguese culture on a unique luxury cruise trip on the Douro River, taking you to marvelous cities such as Porto and other popular towns such as Lamego and Castelo Rodrigo.
Tour France on a romantic cruise along the Seine, stopping along the way to see royal residences such as the Palace in Fontainebleau and towns such as Honfleur that inspired the impressionist movement.
Learn everything about the Northern lifestyle and traditions by exploring the many canals found in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, from the romantic Prinsengracht to the colorful Nyhavn.
Travel tips for river tours in Europe
Chances of motion sickness during European river tours are rare, but it is always a good idea to bring some medicine to fight nausea in case of bad weather conditions.
Keep in mind that riverboat tours in Europe are different from ocean cruises as they tend to focus more on your destinations rather than the experiences onboard. This means that facilities will be more basic as you will spend most of your time visiting exciting destinations.
River tours in Europe will take you to several different countries in just a few days. Before leaving the harbor, make sure to check your SIM card’s roaming deal, a term used to refer to the amount of data, calls, and messages you will get in different EU countries.
The best period to plan a European river cruise is during spring and late summer when the temperatures are mild, and tourist crowds are comparatively lower than the peak travel season.
Some EU countries, such as Bulgaria and Denmark, don’t use the euro, so do your research in advance and make sure to bring your credit card or local currency.
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